Shortstop............

[axaguy]

Had an opportunity to see a recruit, Bobby Sheppard of Oak Forest HS, play in the state finals in Joliet this weekend. He might be able to fill a hole at shortstop very soon.
Very good in the field, smooth, strong arm, solid defensively, which we have lacked a couple of years. He won't hurt us offensively, either.

[uic53]

That marks at least the third shortstop that Dee has signed for this class. Don't know if he plans on switching someone to 2nd or 3rd but UIC has previously signed Andres Ortegano from Morton College and Cody Dykema from Lake Central in Indiana. I guess we will see what shakes out.

[axaguy]

Glad to see coach Dee addressing needs. Players at this level often change positions during their careers so a switch or two may well happen but we definitely need to shore up our defense up the middle, we've been weak in that area for a while. SS is a key position and improvement is needed for us to remain competitive in conference and to win out of conference and NCAA games.
The hitting will come but defense really aids a pitching staff, big time.